Events

What To Do With 1 Day In Denver

October 5, 2013 6:00 AM

The mountains should begin to receive their season’s gift of snow while downtown Denver enjoys some warm fall weather. The city shines with activities and culture all year, yet the fall gives way to warm days and cool nights. Spend an entire day in Denver soaking up Western culture by visiting museums, shopping and ending the day with dining and some cool jazz.

The uniquely designed building in the heart of downtown Denver belongs to the Denver Art Museum. Visitors will forget that they are way out West when they experience the diversity of the many art periods and a wide variety of cultures. With interactive activities such as a paint studio and dress up and play areas for the children, the museum even has kid-friendly fun. Be sure to visit the gift shop to hunt for amazing artistic finds and stop by the quaint coffee counter in the back. The upcoming fall event “Passport to Paris” opens October 27 and will have exhibits focusing on French art from the late 1600s to early 1900s. For visitors in town on the first Saturday of the month, they can enjoy free admission. There is something for everyone including classes, events and programs meant to encourage future artists.

The Museum of Nature and Science in Denver is a must-visit on a Denver bucket list. It happens to have an eye-popping IMAX Theater and a planetarium as well as gems, minerals and dinosaur fossils from around the world. If in town on a month’s third Thursday, the museum hosts the Science Lounge which shakes up adult learning with cocktails and socializing. Starting October 11, visitors to Denver can take part in “MythBusters: The Explosive Exhibition.” Visitors will become their own mythbuster and have the chance to test theories and play with hands-on experiments and see live mythbusting demonstrations.

Right in the middle of the downtown area is the Denver U.S. Mint. Ideal for all ages, this historic landmark offers a unique way to spend an hour or two. It is well worth the brief time it will take to make a reservation to take the free tour. It is quite an experience to watch the production of actual US money. A visit to the gift shop is perfect for avid coin collectors. Security is pretty tight, so be sure to read the confirmation email for rules and regulations.

16th Street Mall16th St., from Broadway to Wewatta St.
Denver, CO 80238
(303) 534-6161www.denverpavilions.comClosed to four-wheel traffic, the 16th Street Mall has something for everyone. The streets are filled with horse-drawn carriages and bicycle rides. Denver shows off its artistic side with colorfully painted cows and a couple of creatively painted graffiti pianos with random people playing them. Riders of the free RTD Mall Ride shuttle will share the journey up and down the mall with businessmen, tourists and some interesting wanderers. Mixed in with discount stores and fabulous restaurants of all flavors, there is the Denver Pavilions with a Regal Entertainment movie theater and stores like H&M, Forever 21 and Victoria’s Secret. Mall visitors will be in a for a Halloween treat on Saturday, October 19 when the world record Zombie Crawl takes over the mall streets with undead fun.

Jazz @ Jack’sDenver Pavilions
500 16th St #320
Denver, CO. 80202www.jazzatjacks.comTop off a wonderful day in Denver with live music and good food at Jazz @ Jack’s. Upstairs with a cool view of the Denver Pavilions on the 16th Street Mall, this hangout is the perfect place to kick back with some cocktails and reminisce about the day. Jazz @ Jack’s gives off a great vibe with its smooth music with the flavor of jazz, R&B and oldies. Some nights, it even offers singles-only parties. The friendly wait staff will bring generously portioned drinks at decent prices. Don’t forget to take advantage of the $5 valet parking after 5 p.m. located on 15th & Glenarm.